Support thread for mums returning to work after maternity leave

[pregnantgrump]

I'm returning to work in February. I'm the first of my NCT gang and my sisters took many years off when kids were small. Mum went back after a year but I was looked after by gran. My little one will be at home with dad until April then at nursery. I'm going back full time.
Trying to sort out stuff now eg stash of expressed milk and some meals, routine in place, transition from me to DH as primary carer, logistics once back at work. Also feeling desperately desperately sad at the thought of leaving my little cherub. (No there is no choice financially). I'm looking for a friendly bunch in a similar position for mutual support. Anyone keen?

Well, I need to return to work only 3 months after having my DD2! Lost my job the week i fell pregnant with her and could not get any perm work. Money has been a huge struggle and very tight with just DH working and our quality of life has suffered and made us all a bit miserable. He works for Royal Mail in the warehouse, I teach English/ESOL. We don't drink, smoke or have holidays or expensive taste in anything.

I am genuinely looking forward to going back to work as I will now be able to get a car, pay for swimming lessons, go to soft play without sacrificing buying a coffee on the rare occasion when I see a friend. Everyone's circumstances are different and I will be back part-time and I cannot wait to feel good about myself again instead of the stir crazy reluctant SAHM i was. I hated not financially contributing and having my own money. I feel worse for DD1 as she has had me around more and is old enough to understand. For DD2 it will be normal having mummy work!

Good luck to anyone who is struggling to figure it all out. On the subject of guilt I must add that my DD2 will be with her dad one day and my mum the other day and most likely with the world's most amazing childminder with her sister the other day, so I know she will be loved and looked after and I won't be going mad doing the SAHM thing every day which will in turn make me a much better mum :-)